The first couple of hours in the morning lay the foundations for the rest of your day ahead. Morning workouts are said to have many benefits, from providing you with more energy to helping you sleep better. Here are five other reasons why you should make them a part of your routine this summer.

1. Exercise fires up the brain

Too many people focus on the physical benefits and don't consider the vast mental benefits that a morning fitness routine will offer. The reason for this is that exercise will increase the blood flow to the brain, leading to more focus and alertness for the remainder of your day. When you are up against deadlines, about to deliver a major pitch or doing something that requires some serious brain-power, a workout first thing will set you up for success later in the day. There are countless studies that prove this and research is still on going in this area.

2. It helps form a habit

Waking up an hour or two earlier everyday to squeeze in your workout will stop you from constantly hitting snooze and it will set a positive pattern of activity and action for the rest of your day. If you don't have the motivation to start or to wake up so early, consider getting a personal trainer or sign up for a class, both will hold you accountable and make sure you actually stick to your routine.

3. You'll have more energy

Many of us know the feeling of lethargy and heaviness first thing in the morning. This groggy state is something that we wander around in for much of the day and we struggle to shake ourselves out of it. Too often we rely on caffeine and sugar to get us through our day, but these short-term fixes don't work. Exercise is a long-term and sustainable way to feel energised reducing your reliance on stimulants.

4. It will help you to make healthier choices

Eating a balanced diet is good for our mind and body. Research from Indiana University shows that you're more likely to make healthier food choices if you've exercised, partly because both healthy eating and regular exercising work towards the same goal and, secondly, if you've made exercise a habit, it frees up more time for you to think about nutrition.

5. Staying fit provides you with the feel-good factor

Exercising has been proven to release endorphins, which in turn help to relieve stress and provide us with the feel-good factor. When we feel confident and at our best we are more likely to chase our dreams, complete goals and enjoy life - and summer!

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